What's everyone's opinion on how long is safe to leave ducks out before cleaning and storing in the early season? Last weekend it was up in the 60's by the time we got back in about noon. We cleaned them right away and got them into the freezer. I never though about it before but would temps that high make the meat sketchy like it can with a deer in early season? I'd rather come in early than end up with a bunch of ducks that aren't safe to eat.

you can pull the entrails and organs out while waiting for more ducks to fly by and lay them somewhere in the shade. With the guts out and a hole for air to circulate through, they will cool down faster. Thats what I do if its hot out...

MurphyMID wrote:I put my ducks in the fridge whole for a week before cleaning them. I don't think a little temp abuse at 60 is going to hurt them...

Do you remove the entrails prior to aging? Any idea what temp the fridge is? I think my garage would be cold enough for this in the winter but not sure. I've always wanted to age them. Do you hang em or just lay em in there? Plucked?